COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections, the McNeese State Cowboys capitalized on a stunning opening kickoff return and a dominant ground attack to defeat the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions 35-20 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The victory improved McNeese State’s record to 4-6, while Texas A&M-Commerce fell to 2-8. The outcome was unexpected, as the Lions were projected by Interstat’s ELO system to have a 70 percent probability of winning and were installed as 2.5-point favorites. The combined score of 55 points narrowly went over the over/under line of 55.5.

The tone for the contest was set just 15 seconds into the game. McNeese State’s Allijah Harrison fielded the opening kickoff at the goal line and raced 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Cowboys an immediate 7-0 lead.

McNeese State’s offense continued the onslaught. On their first offensive possession, quarterback Jake Strong connected with receiver Kameran Senegal on a 39-yard touchdown pass, capping a 50-yard drive and extending the lead to 14-0 midway through the opening quarter.

The Cowboys’ defense then set up the next score. Late in the first quarter, Phillip Bradford intercepted a pass from Lions quarterback Ron Peace and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown, pushing the McNeese State advantage to 21-7 as the first quarter concluded. The Lions had managed a touchdown drive in between the Cowboys’ scores to briefly make it 14-7.

The second quarter saw a slowdown in scoring. Texas A&M-Commerce added a 29-yard field goal from Ozlo Rigby, making the score 21-10. McNeese State had an opportunity to answer before halftime, but a 25-yard field goal attempt by Fabrizio Pinton was blocked, preserving the 11-point margin at the intermission.

McNeese State reasserted control on its opening drive of the second half. Jake Strong broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run, his second total touchdown of the game, to give the Cowboys a commanding 28-10 lead. Strong finished the game with 171 yards passing and a touchdown through the air, while also leading the team with 136 rushing yards and another score on the ground.

The Lions mounted a response in the fourth quarter. After a Rigby field goal cut the deficit to 28-13, the McNeese State offense delivered the decisive blow. Running back Coleby Hamm, who was a workhorse all afternoon, broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run with 2:46 remaining in the game. The score gave the Cowboys a 35-13 lead and effectively sealed the victory. Hamm finished with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.

Texas A&M-Commerce added a late touchdown on a 22-yard pass from Eric Rodriguez to Jaden Proctor with 6:43 left to play, setting the final score at 35-20. Rodriguez, one of three quarterbacks to see action for the Lions, completed 11 of 16 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown.

The McNeese State defense was opportunistic throughout, intercepting three passes. Along with Bradford’s pick-six, Brandon Jones and Javon Davis also recorded interceptions.

Christian Jourdain was a bright spot for the Lions’ offense, hauling in six receptions for 104 yards.

The Cowboys will look to build on this win when they host UT Rio Grande Valley next Saturday. Texas A&M-Commerce will also be at home, facing Houston Christian next Saturday.